New guidelines published for homeworkers

As working from home is becoming more popular in the UK, new guidelines published by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) may help people who are self-employed claim business expenses, Business Zone reports.According to Paul Webb of Robert James Partnership, a firm which specialises in small business tax, self-employed workers who work from their homes may be entitled to claim back fixed costs - including a certain percentage of mortgage, interest and council tax. He added that fixed costs refer to costs that are required to run a home and do not include consumables - light, power and heat - although a portion of these costs may be offset as separate expenses.Mr Web further asserted that the new guidelines may clarify what has previously been a "grey area" and could lead to an increased number of claims from people who are self employed and working from home.HMRC is the UK's customs and tax department. Self-employed people can use the HMRC website to register their employment and claim their tax repayments.